Royal Watch News

Duchess Catherine to take time off

Jan 16, 2013, 12:02 GMT

Duchess Catherine

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge is to take another month off from public duties.

The duchess is expecting her first child with husband Prince William and is planning to take time out to rest after being hospitalised last month with acute morning sickness.

However, royal officials said Catherine, 31, expects to resume official engagements 'in the near future'.

It was announced earlier this week that the royal couple will welcome their baby into the world in July.

A St James's Palace spokesman said: 'Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in July.

'The duchess' condition continues to improve since her stay in hospital last month.'

The couple - who married in April 2011 - announced they were expecting their first child together at the beginning of December after the duchess was admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in London after suffering from acute morning sickness.

Catherine - who was known as Kate Middleton until her wedding - has rarely been seen out in public since being released from hospital.

However, the 31-year-old beauty did go to the National Portrait Gallery last week, where she and William were given an exclusive view of her first official portrait.